plate no. 1869

Portrait of G. Hirschman

Konstantin Somov, 1911

oilSymbolismportraitportraitfiguredressshawlchairbackground

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering fabric textures with subtle color variations. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through soft edges and tonal values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to proportions and placement of the figure.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
step 03
Block in the main color areas, focusing on the dress, shawl, and background.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, paying close attention to the subtle shifts in value and color.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress and shawl, using layering and glazing techniques to create depth and texture.
step 06
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of realism.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and details to achieve a cohesive and balanced painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · alizarin crimson · viridian green · yellow ochre

Achieve the skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Use burnt umber and ivory black for shadows and depth. Mix viridian green with burnt umber to create the dark greens of the shawl.

techniques